Influence of Vegetation on Lateral Momentum Transfers

Cátia Taborda¹, Cristina Fael¹, César Santos¹, Ana Ricardo², and Rui Ferreira³

1. Universidade de Beira Interior - CMADE, Portugal

2. CERIS, Portugal

3. Instituto Superior Técnico - CERIS, Portugal

Abstract: In this communication, the experimental results obtained in a partially vegetated channel, consisting of an area with a staggered matrix, are analyzed in order to study the influence of vegetation on the mass and lateral momentum transfers. The mixing layer width is also quantified, using theoretical models, as it plays a significant role in these transfers. The analysis is complemented with the study of the presence of coherent large-scale structures that promote the mass and lateral momentum transfers through the turbulent flow that occurs between the central channel and the vegetated area.

Key words: partially vegetated channel, rigid emergent vegetation, interface, lateral transfers